19.03.2025
Montreal Canadiens 6 - 3 Ottawa Senators
The Montreal Canadiens snapped the Ottawa Senators' six-game winning streak with a thrilling 6-3 victory, highlighted by Nick Suzuki's crucial power-play goal in the third period. The Canadiens erupted with five goals in the final period, tying the game twice before Suzuki found the net, aided by Brendan Gallagher's assist, who not only freed up the puck from Senators goalie Linus Ullmark but also contributed a goal and two assists. Josh Anderson added another dimension to the Canadiens' offense with a pair of goals, including an empty-netter that sealed the win. Christian Dvorak was instrumental with a goal and three assists, helping Montreal leap ahead into the second Eastern Conference wild card playoff spot. Additionally, Suzuki became the first Montreal player since Mark Recchi to notch 70 points in consecutive seasons, while Senators forward Brady Tkachuk saw his nine-game point streak halted. The dramatic third period's five-goal feat marked the Canadiens' best since their 2021 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
New York Rangers 1 - 2 Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames ended a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, thanks to key performances from Nazem Kadri, who scored a goal and provided an assist, and Matt Coronato, who netted the winning goal. MacKenzie Weegar also contributed two assists, while Dan Vladar recorded 12 saves. Despite an early 1-0 lead from Artemi Panarin, who extended his point streak to 10 games, the Rangers failed to maintain momentum, managing only three shots in the second period, and were outpaced by the Flames. Calgary moved closer to a playoff spot in the Western Conference, trailing the St. Louis Blues by two points with two games in hand. On the Rangers' side, Igor Shesterkin's 33 saves weren't enough to prevent their second consecutive home loss, a result that pushed them further from playoff contention in the East, now behind the Montreal Canadiens who have games in hand.
Pittsburgh Penguins 2 - 4 New York Islanders
The New York Islanders staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2, scoring four goals in the third period, led by Kyle Palmieri's goal and two assists. Pierre Engvall netted the go-ahead goal, while Simon Holmstrom sealed the victory with an empty-netter. The win marked the second consecutive game where the Islanders overcame a two-goal deficit in the third period, tying the Detroit Red Wings for the most such comebacks in NHL history. Ilya Sorokin made 20 saves, and Noah Dobson contributed a goal and an assist, helping the Islanders gain crucial points in the playoff race. Sidney Crosby extended his point streak to five games despite the Penguins' loss, which snapped their four-game winning streak. Notably, Crosby is nearing a 20th NHL season averaging at least a point per game, potentially surpassing Wayne Gretzky's record. The game highlighted the Penguins' struggles in the third period and their inability to maintain a solid defense against the Islanders' persistent offense.
Washington Capitals 4 - 1 Detroit Red Wings
The Washington Capitals secured a commanding 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, boosted by Tom Wilson's milestone 30th goal of the season. Dylan Strome contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, while Alex Ovechkin inched closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record with an assist, leaving him eight goals shy. Washington, leading the Metropolitan Division by 12 points, demonstrated a dominant performance with no penalties throughout the game, extending their strong form by winning seven of their past eight matches. Logan Thompson made 23 saves, equaling the fewest regulation losses for a goaltender at the time of his 30th victory. Notably, Wilson's achievement of reaching 30 goals for the first time came after playing over 800 NHL games. The Red Wings' Dylan Larkin was the lone scorer for his team, lamenting missed opportunities as they trailed behind in the wild card race. Elmer Soderblom's late-game collision and subsequent exit raised concerns, with no immediate update available post-game.
Nashville Predators 1 - 4 St Louis Blues
In a standout performance, Jordan Kyrou scored twice to propel the St. Louis Blues to a decisive 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Kyrou's impressive form continues, as he now boasts eight points in a three-game winning streak. Dylan Holloway contributed three assists, while Jake Neighbours and Justin Faulk each recorded a goal and an assist for the Blues. With a record of 10-2-2 in their last 14 games, the Blues remain in the race for a playoff spot, tied in points with the Vancouver Canucks for the second wild card from the Western Conference. Goalie Joel Hofer played a crucial role, making 22 saves and crediting his teammates for their strong performance and palpable team spirit. The Predators, with a goal from Brady Skjei, have now faced three consecutive losses. Despite their recent struggles, Nashville coach Andrew Brunette acknowledged the need for consistent execution, citing costly turnovers that fueled the Blues' offense.
Dallas Stars 4 - 3 Anaheim Ducks
In a thrilling overtime encounter, Mikael Granlund's second goal of the game at 2:32 secured a 4-3 victory for the Dallas Stars over the Anaheim Ducks at American Airlines Center. Granlund's backhand shot off a rebound clinched the win, marking a much-needed triumph for the Stars, who had previously lost three of their last four games. Thomas Harley contributed a goal and two assists, while Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz also made significant impacts for Dallas. Despite being hampered by penalties, the Stars managed to overcome a strong Ducks side led by Leo Carlsson, who had two goals, including a penalty shot, making him the youngest in franchise history to achieve this feat. Nikita Nesterenko also scored for Anaheim. The Ducks, however, fell short in overtime despite a commendable effort in the third period. The win allowed Dallas to strengthen their standing in the Central Division, moving four points clear of the Colorado Avalanche.
Chicago Blackhawks 2 - 6 Seattle Kraken
In an impressive comeback, Shane Wright scored twice as the Seattle Kraken overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 at the United Center. Wright notably capitalized on key moments, marking his second goal from a cross-ice pass by Adam Larsson, who also contributed a goal and two assists. Matty Beniers added to the Kraken’s tally with a goal and assist, while Joey Daccord made 27 saves. Despite Chicago's early lead with goals from Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi, their momentum waned, extending their losing streak to five games. Bedard's power-play goal was his 40th career goal, joining an elite group of players who reached that milestone as teenagers. The Blackhawks, struggling with team morale, aim to recover from successive tough losses, while the Kraken remain competitive in the playoff race.
Edmonton Oilers 7 - 1 Utah Hockey Club
The Edmonton Oilers delivered a commanding 7-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club, marked by standout performances from Zach Hyman, who scored twice and assisted once, and Connor McDavid, who notched three points in the first period. This win, their third consecutive, brought the Oilers within two points of the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights. Notably, Leon Draisaitl's remarkable 18-game point streak came to an end, yet the Oilers' collective offensive efforts remained dominant. Utah's Sean Durzi managed the lone goal for his team as they continue to chase a playoff spot, trailing the Vancouver Canucks by four points for the last wild card berth. Edmonton's decisive victory was strengthened by strong special teams, outstanding goaltending from Calvin Pickard, and McDavid's historical achievement of totaling three points against 32 different NHL franchises, a record in league history.
Vancouver Canucks 6 - 2 Winnipeg Jets
In a commanding 6-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets, Brock Boeser broke a 12-game goal drought, scoring twice and adding an assist to propel the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Pius Suter also contributed significantly with two goals, while Nils Hoglander chipped in with a goal and an assist. Quinn Hughes supported the offense with two assists, and Kevin Lankinen made 19 saves, ensuring the Canucks, who have won three of their last four games, maintain their grip on the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. Drew O'Connor's early goal set the tone for Vancouver, who dominated the NHL-leading Jets, snapping Winnipeg's three-game winning streak. Despite efforts from Nikojal Ehlers and Alex Iafallo to keep the Jets competitive, including Ehlers' goal to tie the game 1-1 in the first period, Vancouver's offense proved too potent with Boeser netting his 20th of the season and Suter sealing the score with an empty-netter.